Tuesday, July 31, 2012

From the Parents of Eric Wang

Our
son Eric is back from ILC’s Cornell University program. This is his 2nd
and last participation the ILC. Like other parents, we followed his cohort’s
blogs daily. It’s obvious he and his cohort got a lot from it. What great
experiences and fun memories it was for him and his cohort! Through the program
he made many new friends and expanded his area of academic interests. This
program has done much more to him! He learned through this program that a lot
people in his community care about education and would go out of their way to
support a program out of modest means. He learned that there is a great deal of
support from his teachers and school administration staff. He learned that he
needs to be responsible and live up to expectations to be good ambassador of
his community and school. Above all, he learned that only great leadership can
make such programs possible. We cannot think of a better program that can do
all those. As parents, we feel so lucky our son was given such opportunities.
On behalf of our family, we would like say a big “thank-you” for everything the
ILC did for our and all ILC students

To
donors, it’s without a doubt that your generous support will be remembered for
many years to come, and surely made a positive influence on our son. On this
point, we think we speak for all parents. The ILC program gave all of them
opportunities to experience what would otherwise be impossible! Once you kindle
their aspiration of trying to be as good as they can be, there is nothing that
will stop them from pursuing their dreams. Some of the ILC participants will
continue on the journey you put them on through your generous support. They
will remember where their journey got started, and find ways to make sure the
same generous spirits you taught them live wherever you call home. Thanks you
for teaching my son and all ILC participants a valuable lesson of life.

To
ILC leadership, your tireless efforts and unwavering support are amazing. We
all know that it is no easy task to organize and administer a program like the
ILC. You believe not only we can do it, but also do it with the highest
standards. We appreciate you made every effort to include more students in the
program and at the same time hold the same high standards. Starting from the 1st
meeting, you showed that safety and students’ best interests are always at the
core of this program. We are so impressed with attention to details in the program’s
administration from the trip checklist, campus visits, to all group activities.
It comes as no surprise that our son enjoyed his every visit. Thank you for
setting a fine leadership example, and proving a great opportunity to our son
and all other participants.

To
students who cannot make up their mind, you are missing an opportunity of your
lifetime. There are only a very few high school students who have a chance to
experience what is like living on an Ivy League campus. It’s all right you are
not thinking about those schools yet. Visiting them alone is well worth your
efforts. Get ready for the next ILC announcement!

To
parents who have doubts what ILC can do, you maybe think too hard for
yourselves. First of all, going through the ILC selection process itself is
good experience regardless of outcome. Your children will learn to present
themselves to a selection committee much the same way they would have to in a
situation of a job interview. Secondly, chances are you are not quite as good
at organizing a college trip as ILC does even if you have desire and means to
do. The ILC has done a superb job to organize the program and your children are
in a safe and positive learning environments. Thirdly, it really does not matter
which program your children get in to. All ILC programs teach them critical
thinking and problem solving, skills required in any profession. Having your
children to work with other students from other areas can broaden their view in
a great way. Lastly, the truth is that our children are not always cut out for
what we do. Some of them can do a lot more than we can ever imagine. All they
need is to have a peak at what is possible. Let’s give them a chance! ILC is
designed to do just that. Encourage your kids to give a try, they do listen to
you!

Finally,
thank you, ILC, for everything you did on behalf the school district. Let us
know if there is anything we can help.

About Us

The goal of The Ivy League Connection is to expand the college going culture in the West Contra Costa Unified School District by providing the students of the WCCUSD with the opportunity to participate in summer enrichment programs hosted by highly selective universities.

This effort emphasizes students’ readiness and highlights that teachers have and will continue to produce outstanding students ready to participate in the rigorous programs offered each summer by the Ivy League.

Upon their return from these programs, our students are encouraged to become campus leaders and promote increased awareness of academic opportunities. By becoming campus leaders, they will also instill the value of giving service and encourage the local community to become stronger partners with our schools.

The Ivy League Connection is all about giving back.

The WCCUSD is a diverse, urban school district which has managed to survive through incredible financial adversity (including bankruptcy) for the past two decades. Despite a myriad of obstacles, students have persevered and been resilient in staying focused and not making excuses relating to student achievement. Nonetheless, a great majority of students have not had exposure to the thousands of colleges that exist. The Ivy League Connection is a metaphor for establishing that connection and opening gateways to ensure that more students are conscious about becoming part of a college-going culture.

This endeavor creates an institution with an innovative approach and provides a model for school board members to utilize regarding how to deploy District resources to underwrite student participation in summer enrichment and leadership programs on college campuses. The goal is to significantly boost scholarship in our District by introducing the concept and awareness that outstanding students of talent and high potential will benefit from participating in stimulating summer enrichment programs and that others will also profit when they share their experiences with them upon their return.